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Model and activist Lauren Wasser became critically ill with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) in 2012 while menstruating and using tampons. Reporting at the time described a life-threatening illness and the loss of part of her right leg and toes on her left foot; a 2023 episode listing later described her as having had both legs amputated. Her experience was severe, but it is an individual case—not evidence that TSS commonly follows ordinary tampon use or that a particular current brand caused her illness.
What happened to Lauren Wasser?
According to The Washington Post’s December 20, 2017 report, Wasser became critically ill in October 2012 while menstruating and using tampons. She was found unconscious, had a reported fever of 107°F and a heart attack, and tested positive for signs of TSS. She was placed on life support and in a medically induced coma. By the time of that report, she had lost part of her right leg and the toes of her left foot.
A July 27, 2023 episode listing for The Diary Of A CEO identifies Wasser as a TSS survivor and activist and says both legs were amputated. The later account describes the eventual outcome; it should not be confused with the 2017 report’s description of her left foot at that time.
The Washington Post reported that Wasser filed a lawsuit and that Kimberly-Clark said the matter had been resolved. That reporting does not establish a court finding that a specific product caused her illness.
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What is toxic shock syndrome?
TSS is a rare, serious illness caused by toxins produced by certain bacteria. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says these toxins can cause organ damage, shock or death. TSS is not limited to a single person’s story: it is a medical risk that warrants prompt attention when symptoms occur.
The FDA lists possible symptoms including sudden fever, usually 102°F or higher; vomiting; diarrhea; fainting or feeling faint while standing; dizziness; and a sunburn-like rash. If these occur during a period or soon after it, stop using tampons and seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait for every symptom to appear, and do not use this list to diagnose yourself. FDA consumer guidance on tampon safety
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Can tampons cause toxic shock syndrome?
The FDA acknowledges a small risk of serious infection, including TSS, with tampon use. It considers FDA-authorized tampons a safe option for managing a period, while still advising users to follow the product instructions and precautions.
Historical evidence helps explain why tampon absorbency and use habits became important safety issues, but it is not a current estimate of risk. In a 1990 report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) described 890 reported TSS cases in the United States in 1980, 812 associated with menstruation; in 1989, it reported 61 cases, 45 associated with menstruation. The CDC also reported 38 deaths among 772 women with menstrual TSS in 1980 (5%), and no deaths among women with menstrual TSS in 1988 and 1989. These are historical U.S. figures, not today’s incidence statistics. CDC MMWR, June 29, 1990
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The CDC’s historical review reported associations between menstrual TSS and tampon use, higher risk with continuous tampon use than with alternating tampons and other menstrual products, and increased risk with greater absorbency. Those findings do not rank current brands or establish which product caused Wasser’s illness.
How to reduce risk when using tampons
The FDA’s practical precautions are straightforward:
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- Follow the instructions on the package.
- Wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon.
- Use tampons only during menstruation.
- Change each tampon every 4 to 8 hours, and never wear one for more than 8 hours.
- Choose the lowest absorbency that meets your needs.
- Use each FDA-authorized tampon once only.
The FDA regulates tampons as medical devices in the United States. Manufacturers submit data on materials, absorbency, strength, integrity and whether the product increases certain harmful bacteria; the agency says it monitors tampon safety. Ask a health care provider whether tampons are right for you if you have questions about your circumstances.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What FDA research on menstrual products does—and does not—show
The FDA’s menstrual-products page, updated July 6, 2026, says its independent 2024 literature review included nine published studies of contaminants and continued to support the conclusion that tampons remain a safe menstrual option. It also describes an FDA laboratory study of 11 tampon types from six brands and five manufacturers. In simulated-use conditions lasting three times longer than manufacturers’ recommendations, the FDA found released metal levels far below levels considered harmful. The study and risk assessment were published in Toxicological Sciences in June 2026. This work addresses metal release; it does not explain Wasser’s TSS illness or establish TSS causation by a brand. FDA menstrual product options, facts and safe use
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The same FDA page notes that the agency issued draft guidance in October 2025 on performance testing and labeling recommendations for menstrual products. It is draft guidance, not a final rule.
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